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VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
People who have a servant’s heart, who not only like to minister to
people’s basic needs, but enjoy blessing them with special
mercies that make them comfortable, let them know they are
appreciated, and make their work and stay easier.
THE PROBLEM:
People who come into the area to help cannot make arrangements for their
stay. There is likely no communication, probably no open
motels or stores. When they arrive they will probably work all
day and may or may not find a place to eat and sleep when they
are done. To come alongside and help, they share in our
temporary homelessness and live without the benefits of a
functioning city. Added to this is the probable disadvantage
of not having friends and family in the city.
THE ANSWER:
As members of the Church and the city, we can make sure these people find
a place to stay and receive meals (from your team overseeing
meals). We can minister to their needs as if they are our
guests and find creative ways to make their stay a memorable
blessing for them even as they work for us.
SUGGESTIONS:
-
Discuss what the
possibilities are for lodging. If your church is standing,
can they stay in some of the classrooms? If your church is
too damaged, then through the network perhaps they could
stay in one of the other churches or in some homes (that are
still standing).
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If your church has
a ministry team providing meals that is great. If you do
not, perhaps the church or individuals can plan ahead to
feed extras.
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Perhaps you can
provide travel size toiletries, snacks, extra towels…
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Brainstorm with
your team. These people have taken on your loss as their
own.
PERSONAL
EXPERIENCES:
“I left for each of the 4 hurricanes having tried to make arrangements
for housing, but it was always impossible. In Punta Gorda I
drove 45 min. after working as much as 14 hours each day to
stay with some people I knew and then back again the next
morning. In Fort Pierce a church graciously let me put my bunk
in their sanctuary that was damaged, but still standing.
I walked through debris to get to the restroom, but there was water and
electricity. I was very grateful. Volunteers don’t need the
Ritz, but they need a safe place with a roof over their head.
In some cities people almost daily brought food, snacks, and
drinks for volunteers. That was SO appreciated by everyone.
At other times and in other cities it was MREs and granola bars.
One person sewed ice packs for all the volunteers at our distribution
center. That was a real treat when laboring in the Florida sun
all day. One person, as soon as her electricity was turned on,
made cookies for the volunteers. Others showed up with snacks.
How that makes people feel appreciated!“ |
